'Abbasid Caliphate. Al-Mutawakkil. AH 232-247 / AD 847-861. AR Donative Dirham (25mm, 2.84 g, 12h). Medallic type with broad margins. Surra man Ra’a mint. Dated AH 238 (AD 852/3). Citing the heir Abu ‘Abdallah. Ilisch D I 1; SICA 4, 455; Album 230B. VF. Rare.
Medallic dirhams such as these were struck for presentation purposes. As well as making a visible distinction from normal currency coins, the broad outer margin allowed them to be mounted or pierced for wearing without damage to the legends.
